Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, occurs when one person causes physical or psychological harm to a current or former intimate partner. It includes all acts of violence within the context of family or intimate relationships. Besides being the leading cause of injury to women in the United States (a woman is beaten every 15 seconds), it is an issue of increasing concern because of its negative effect on all family members, especially children.

Below are a few resources that can assist you if you are in a Domestic Violence situation, or that you can share with someone who may be involved in an abusive relationship.

Facts About Domestic Violence

Everyday in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

Ninety-two percent of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assault as their top concern.

Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone—the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.

Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55 percent and 95 percent of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help.

The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year: $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.

Men who as children witnessed their parents’ domestic violence were twice as likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent parents.

Signs That Someone is Going Through a Domestic Violence Situation

being prone to "accidents" or being repeatedly injured

having injuries that could not be caused unintentionally or that do not match the story of what happened to cause them

having injuries on many different parts of the body, such as the face, throat, neck, chest, abdomen or genitals

having bruises, burns or wounds that are shaped like teeth, hands, belts, cigarette tips or that look like the injured person has a glove or sock on (from having a hand or foot placed in boiling water)

having wounds in various states of healing

often seeking medical help or, conversely, waiting to seek or not seeking medical help even for serious injuries

showing signs of depression

using alcohol or other drugs

attempting suicide

2012 Domestic Violence Teleconference: "Life After the Violence... How Ya' Like Me ?!"